While the repercussions of Türkiye's sale of 30 HÜRJET aircraft to Spain continue, the technical and industrial details of the project have become clearer. The Spanish Ministry of Defence and the aviation giant that will manage the Spanish leg of the project... Airbus Defence and Space The statement released by the company revealed that the collaboration was not simply a matter of buying and selling aircraft.
According to the announced plan, HÜRJET will be modified in facilities to be established in Spain through a partnership between Airbus and TUSAŞ, and will replace the F-5 fleet. Here is the technical roadmap of the project, extending until 2035, according to the statement from Airbus.
Partnership Structure: TUSAŞ will manufacture, Airbus will integrate.
The division of tasks has been finalized in the Spanish Air and Space Force's new "Integrated Combat Training System (ITS-C)" project.
- TUSAŞ: As the main manufacturer and designer of HÜRJET, it will supply the aircraft.
- Airbus (Spain): As the project's "National Coordinator," he will manage the integration of the aircraft into Spanish systems and the participation of local industry.
Delivery Schedule: Two-Phase Strategy
The project was divided into two phases to address Spain's urgent needs and protect its domestic industry:
Phase 1: Fast Delivery (2028-2029)
In the first phase, TUSAŞ will deliver 30 HÜRJET aircraft from the production line. “"Initial Configuration"” They will deliver these aircraft to Spain. These planes will be certified in Spain and will begin to be used in pilot training.
Phase 2: Transformation and Nationalization (2031-2035)
The second phase constitutes the most critical part of the project. The delivered aircraft will be modified according to Spain's specific requirements. During this process, Spanish-made mission computers, avionics, voice control systems, and weapons simulators will be integrated into the aircraft.
A "HÜRJET Transformation Center" is being established in Spain.
The most striking clause of the agreement was the relocation of TUSAŞ's production capacity to Spain. A special infrastructure will be established in Spain for the conversion of the aircraft.
- The conversion of the first two aircraft is by Airbus. Getafe‘It will be done at their facilities.
- The remaining 28 aircraft will be modernized at the new **"Aircraft Conversion Center"** to be established in Spain as part of the project.
Talavera la Real Base is Being Renovated
The project encompasses not only aircraft but also ground systems. Spain hosts the "Fighter and Attack School". Talavera la Real Air Base, It will be completely renovated by 2028.
To be established under the leadership of Airbus Ground-Based Education System (GBTS) The base will include virtual reality (VR) rooms, mission simulators, and computer-based training classrooms.
Airbus Executive Emphasizes "Sovereignty"
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Force at Airbus Defence and Space, commented on the project as follows:
“This ambitious program will address Spain’s urgent needs while increasing national industrial participation and guaranteeing Spanish sovereignty throughout the entire process.”
TUSAŞ is a "Strategic Partner," Not just a "Supplier."“
Bu detaylar, HÜRJET ihracatının “bir mal satıp çıkmak”tan ibaret olmadığını gösteriyor. TUSAŞ, artık Avrupa’nın havacılık devi Airbus ile ortak proje yürüten, başka bir ülkede “Dönüşüm Merkezi” kurabilen global bir oyuncudur. Airbus’ın projede “ana yüklenici” gibi konumlanması, HÜRJET’in Avrupa pazarındaki güvenilirliğini %100’e çıkarmıştır. Bu model, gelecekteki KAAN ihracatları için de mükemmel bir referans olacaktır.
Keywords: Airbus HÜRJET partnership, Spain HÜRJET delivery date, HÜRJET conversion center, Talavera la Real, TUSAŞ Airbus collaboration, ITS-C project.
